Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Raptor Center HPAI patients

We will routinely update our data to show avian influenza test results and positive cases by species

As of March 24, 2026, The Raptor Center has tested over 4,965 individuals on admission for avian influenza virus, with 273 confirmed positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, and 3 individuals preliminarily testing positive for avian influenza with confirmatory testing still pending. Our most recent preliminary positive test was Feb. 26, 2026.

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Recent Positive Bird Recover Location

Sample dateSpeciesRecovery stateRecovery county
Sept 6, 2025Bald eagleMinnesotaGoodhue
Sept 8, 2025Peregrine falconWisconsinPierce
Sept 9, 2025Peregrine falconMinnesotaHennepin
Sept 18, 2025Bald eagleMinnesotaAnoka
Sept 19, 2025Peregrine falconMinnesotaPolk
Sept 23, 2025Peregrine falconMinnesotaRedwood
Sept 29, 2025Bald eagleMinnesotaDakota
Oct 5, 2025Bald eagleWisconsinPierce
Oct 11, 2025Great horned owlMinnesotaWashington
Oct 15, 2025Bald eagleMinnesotaBecker
Oct 16, 2025Great horned owlMinnesotaHennepin
Oct 19, 2025Red-tailed hawkMinnesotaHennepin
Oct 27, 2025Bald eagleWisconsinWashburn
Oct 29 2025Peregrine falconMinnesotaWright
Oct 29, 2025Northern saw-whet owlMinnesotaHennepin
Nov 3, 2025Red-tailed hawkMinnesotaMcLeod
Nov 10, 2025Great horned owlMinnesotaDakota
Nov 24, 2025Barred owl MinnesotaRamsey
Nov 24, 2025Barred owl MinnesotaRamsey
Dec 8, 2025Rough-legged hawk MinnesotaDakota
Dec 12, 2025Red-tailed hawkMinnesotaDakota
Dec 23, 2025Red-tailed hawkMinnesotaHennepin
Dec 29, 2025Red-tailed hawkMinnesotaHennepin
Dec 29, 2025Bald eagleMinnesotaRice
Dec 31, 2025Great horned owlMinnesotaAnoka
Jan 11, 2026Bald eagleMinnesotaRice
Jan 22, 2026Cooper's HawkMinnesotaHennepin
March 3, 2026Great horned owlMinnesotaOlmsted

The issue

Wood duck being held by a rehabber

 

Avian influenza is caused by a virus that has several strains, some of which are more dangerous than others. Avian Influenza (AI) is normally found in migratory waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks, etc). These birds can carry AI without getting sick. As they migrate, they spread the disease to other bird species as well as within their own colony.

 

The current strain being transmitted is a highly pathogenic form of the H5N1 strain, which has global agriculture trade impacts for the United States and can have severe impacts on susceptible birds of many species. While waterfowl can carry and shed this virus without any symptoms, birds like domestic chickens and raptors get severe illness and rapidly die. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spread in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and can be easily transmitted on objects contaminated with virus particles. The virus is tough and can survive cold and freezing temperatures, as well as survive in aquatic environments.

Dr. Dana in Tyvek suit holding a bald eagle
Dr. Dana holds a bald eagle after being tested for HPAI

What TRC is doing

Beyond putting together our resource page and webinar for those working with wildlife and birds, we're also closely monitoring our local wildlife populations for positive cases of avian influenza, and working with other organizations to better understand the current outbreak and help guide the response.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.